The C&C Auto Show

#2055 - Cars, Safety Tech & the Road Ahead

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Car Show Stories, Collision Safety, Veteran Resources and the Future of Driving

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The C&C Auto Show hits the road for an episode packed with the kind of variety you find at a great local car show. From a 1965 Cobra replica pushing about 500 horsepower to a restored and updated 1969 Camaro convertible, the show celebrates the cars, owners and community that make automotive events special. Along the way, the conversation connects the car show with support for veterans, including Vet Center outreach, VA resources and options that can help veterans stay mobile.

The crew also tackles some serious issues facing drivers today: counterfeit airbags, used or salvage ADAS components, proper collision repairs, rising diesel costs and the pressure those fuel prices put on independent truckers. Then it's on to the future of transportation with firsthand impressions of riding in a Waymo robotaxi and a discussion about camera-based versus sensor-heavy approaches to autonomous driving. It's a wide-ranging episode about the cars we love, the technology changing them and the people who depend on them every day. Listen to or watch the full episode for the conversations, stories and automotive insights from the show.

Questions and Answers

Quick answers about the cars, collision safety, veteran resources, autonomous vehicles and trucking topics featured in this C&C Auto Show episode.

What makes the 1965 Cobra replica featured on the show special?

Owner Mario Chavez said the Cobra had been on his bucket list for years. His replica uses a 351 engine stroked to 427 cubic inches, produces about 500 horsepower on the dyno and weighs roughly 2,400 pounds.

Why does the show warn drivers about used or salvage ADAS parts?

ADAS cameras, radar units and other safety components can have damage that is not visible from the outside. The discussion emphasizes following manufacturer repair procedures and asking a reputable collision repair shop what parts are being installed.

Why are counterfeit airbags such a serious concern?

Airbags are safety equipment that must work correctly when a crash occurs. The show discusses the danger of counterfeit, defective or improperly handled airbag components and encourages consumers not to choose questionable safety parts simply to save money.

Can bugs or debris cause ADAS warning lights to appear?

Yes. The show describes a vehicle that displayed lane-assist and other system warnings after a trip from Savannah. Once bugs were cleaned from the front of the vehicle, the systems returned to normal.

What can a VA Vet Center help veterans with?

Vet Center outreach specialists can help connect eligible veterans and service members with counseling and other resources. They can also help people find information about VA healthcare, military records and additional services available in their communities.

Can veterans get help with transportation or vehicle modifications?

The episode discusses transportation assistance, virtual appointments and adaptive vehicle equipment for veterans with disabilities. Hand controls are one example mentioned for someone who cannot safely operate a conventional accelerator pedal.

What is it like to ride in a Waymo robotaxi?

David Clark describes using an app to call the vehicle and having it arrive in about six minutes. He also describes the vehicle reacting to surrounding traffic and slowing when it detected a scooter rider who might enter its path.

What difference does the show discuss between Waymo and Tesla's autonomous driving approaches?

The discussion contrasts a camera-focused approach with Waymo's use of multiple sensing technologies, including cameras, radar and LiDAR. The hosts also talk about conditions such as bright sunlight, weather and blocked sensors that can affect vehicle safety systems.

How are high diesel prices affecting independent truck drivers?

The show discusses how large fuel tanks and relatively low fuel economy can make filling a semi extremely expensive. The hosts say those costs put additional pressure on owner-operators, repair businesses and freight rates, with higher transportation costs potentially flowing through to consumers.

Why is the car show community such an important part of this episode?

The owners featured on the show talk about enjoying their cars, meeting other enthusiasts and seeing vehicles they have never encountered before. The episode presents the event as much about people, friendships and sharing automotive enthusiasm as it is about trophies.

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